Application-Dependent Dust Removal Control for Machine Tool Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for construction sites, comprising machine tools and dust removal devices, face challenges in coordinating the operation of these devices, leading to inefficient dust collection and energy consumption, particularly when switching them on and off.

Innovation Solution

A system with application-dependent control of its components, where the dust removal device adjusts its operating parameters based on the application of the machine tool, optimizing dust extraction and energy use by recognizing the application through communication or measured variables, such as negative pressure, to enhance dust collection efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the vacuum cleaner and air cleaner are always switched on during machine tool operation, then dust collection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collection effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum cleaner and air cleaner operate in different modes (full power, reduced power, or off) based on the detected application type, transitioning dynamically between states to match actual dust generation requirements rather than operating statically at full capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (power level, on/off state) of the dust removal devices based on detected application characteristics, adjusting suction power and airflow according to the specific machining operation being performed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the vacuum cleaner and air cleaner are switched off to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but dust collection effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddust collection effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of dust removal devices based on real-time detection of application type, ensuring they remain active or in standby mode during high-dust operations while reducing power during low-dust operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback from application detection (via sensors or communication interfaces) and adjusts the operational state of dust removal devices accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to actual machining conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If wired connections are used to coordinate device operation, then coordination between devices is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice coordinationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical wired connections with wireless communication technologies (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless protocols) to enable coordination between the machine tool and dust removal devices, eliminating physical connection requirements while maintaining communication capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively extracts primary dust at the point of origin, minimizing unwanted dust dispersal and optimizing energy use by adapting suction behavior to specific applications, thereby improving operational efficiency and extending battery life in battery-operated devices.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum is generated inside the vacuum cleaner by means of a turbine. The negative pressure is used via a hose connected to the vacuum cleaner to suck up dirt particles and transport them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The ambient air of a work system made up of a vacuum cleaner and machine tool is in particular the breathing air of a user of such a work system. Air cleaners are able to suck in large volumes of air, with the dust being separated from the sucked-in air by various filter inserts inside the air cleaner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4133981A1System and method for application-dependent control of system components
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 HILTI AG
  • EP4133981A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4133981A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4133981A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (10) comprising at least a first device (1) for carrying out an application and a second device (2) for removing dust generated during the application, wherein at least one system component is controlled depending on the application of the first device. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for application-dependent control of system components of such a system, wherein the system comprises a first device, for example a machine tool, and a second device, for example a vacuum cleaner, wherein the second device is operated depending on an application of the first device.